Ever since I opened up to you about joining a volleyball team this summer, you’ve wanted to know what I do to stay active. But not only did you want to know, you wanted to see me in action, too. When I got requests to show more of my active side, I got a little nervous because I’ve never posted workout videos before. However, hearing the positive feedback from you and how it was encouraging you to get out and join a sports team, hit the gym, sign up for a dance class, or take up yoga, really inspired me. So, here I am in Nike shorts and a T-shirt. Okay. Can I go home now?

JUST KIDDING.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen that I started posting my workouts with my personal trainer, Quan. You can learn more about Quan here: Train with Quan. And while I had my fears of posting videos of me sweating and pushing my limits, I’ve actually come to love posting my workouts and chatting with you about them! I actually got some of my fave friends and followers to come out and join me for a workout. See our sweaty pics here: Self Care Sundays!

BUT REAL TALK: The discussions we have around being active as a plus size individual are very important. A lot of times, as fat/plus size/curvy/thick women, we hold ourselves back from doing things that we have a passion for—like going to yoga or joining a dance team—because we are afraid of people judging or staring at us. And of course, there is that overwhelming anxiety of getting into a class at the gym and not being able to hold your own, and because you’re fat, people will judge you if you choose to sit the rest of the class out or take a breather. I first started experiencing these anxieties when I went back to hitting the gym regularly about two years ago. My friends always wanted to go to these boutique gym classes, which were, of course, filled with fit, thin girls who do the class three times a week (think SoulCycle). I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish the workout because I wasn’t in shape and that people would judge me even more because I was plus size. I felt extremely uncomfortable and out of place. But I went to the class anyways. We were about 30 minutes into the workout when a thin woman next to me sat down on her mat, and took a break from the class because she was tired…and I was still going. And just like that, my anxieties were lifted. I then realized that all of the boundaries and limitations I put on myself were all self-imposed insecurities, and that no one was actually judging me or waiting for me to tap out. Moral of the story: You are probably judging yourself harder than anyone around you. So cut yourself some slack, join that gym, step into a dance class, or learn how to achieve a crow pose in yoga. Or you could be like me and get your ass kicked everyday (actually only on Tuesdays..heh) by Quan. I know it can be hard to take the first leap and try something new or scary, but just think, every time that you own yourself and confidently pursue your goals—whether it’s at the gym, work, or while partaking in a hobby or passion project—you are influential. INFLUENTIAL? Huh? What does that mean? Being a plus size woman, people have the wrong idea about us, and a lot of times, we have the wrong idea about us, too. But when you boldly approach something that scares you, or you hit the gym and crush your workout, you’re proving everyone wrong—even yourself! Just think of all the people you could inspire. So go fourth, and be you. Take the class, join the gym, kick ass on the court, and most importantly, have fun while doing it! If you’re in Chicago, and you need a workout partner…hit me up! My trainer Quan also has workouts open to everyone every week, so be sure to stay tuned on his Instagram for more info on those!

We came here for the look though, right?

Macy’s sent me these new pieces from the Nike Plus line, and I’m stoked! Macy’s carries the latest in plus size fashion, and they also have a variety of on-trend plus size active wear, too! These Nike Plus Size Tempo Dri-FIT Track Shorts, are pretty cute, and how perfectly do they go with this Plus Size Futura Logo T-Shirt? Ugh. My mom is probably reading this saying, “OMG Natalie. This isn’t a fashion show…you’re going to the gym.” And to that I have to say: How many times have we had this conversation about fashion? Look at me now. JK. I love you mom. Anyways, back to the fashion! While I do love the color coordination of this look, the shorts aren’t my favorite just because I feel like depending on the moves I am doing they can be restrictive, and they aren’t that flattering. But I am a big fan of the T-shirt. And to top it all off, I can’t forget about my fave shoes—even outside of the gym—my Nike Tanjun Running Sneaker. I posted a picture on Instagram of me wearing a  Sportswear Gym Vintage Hoodie and the matching pants from Nike, which Macy’s also sent me. What are our thoughts on match match tracksuits? I’m feeling it!

SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size 1X in both the Nike Plus Size Tempo Dri-FIT Track Shorts and the Plus Size Futura Logo T-Shirt, which is one size smaller than my usual size, but the Nike Plus line does run a little big because I would normally order a 2X. These fit me perfectly!